Use of a composition and a cleaning tablet containing said composition for disinfecting purposes

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns the use of a composition containing at least one organic or inorganic compound or substance combination that releases chlorine or bromine in aqueous solution, as well as 
         whenever appropriate, a surface-active substance (tenside) or substance mixture, aromatic materials, adjuvants and binders for the disinfection of dental objects such as toothbrushes, dentures or razors and the like contaminated by retro or herpes viruses,  pseudomonas aeruginosa  and/or  candida  or parts of the body that have been attacked by retro or herpes viruses,  pseudomonas aeruginosa  and/or  candida.

TECHNICAL AREA OF INVENTION

The present invention concerns the use of a composition and a cleaningtablet containing the composition for disinfection, especially of dentalobjects and for the local treatment of body parts affected bymicro-organisms, namely by candida or retro or herpes viruses.

PRIOR ART

It is known that tooth brushes can shelter bacteria, viruses and otherorganisms that cause illnesses. Tooth brushes may also be contaminatedwith germs, since these are inevitably present in bathrooms. Every timethe toilet is flushed, dangerous germs are propelled into the air. Suchgerms can also contaminate toothbrushes, which are often kept in glasseswith the brush pointing upwards.

Toothbrushes are already dirty, even if they are used only for a fewdays. It was possible to demonstrate that bacteria, viruses and othergerms can easily survive 24 hours. Since several toothbrushes are oftenkept practically next to each other, there is also a risk ofcross-contamination.

Illness-causing bacteria and viruses can therefore contaminate the toothbrushes of other family members. Consequently, toothbrushes should bechanged rather often and, in any case, after an illness.

For the aforementioned reasons, it has already been suggested thattoothbrushes should be cleaned from time to time in dish washingmachines. This is a simple way of sterilizing toothbrushes at home. Whentravelling, however, a dish washer is not normally available.

EP-A-0 081 962 discloses a self-dissolving tablet for the cleaning ofartificial dentures. The tablet contains a perborate compound thatreleases oxygen and a chloroisocyanurate compound that releaseshypochlorite when the tablet comes into contact with water. The tabletalso contains alkaline compounds that assure a pH-value of approximately11 when the tablet is dissolved in the aqueous medium.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,385 also discloses a self-dissolving cleaning tabletcontaining a peroxo compound that releases oxygen when in contact withwater and a chlorine compound that, likewise when in contact with water,releases hypochlorite, where the hypochlorite/oxygen ratio amounts to atleast 1.1:1. Furthermore, the table contains an alkaline compound insuch a quantity as to produce a pH-value greater than 10.5.

A disadvantage of the aforementioned tablets is due to their chlorinesmell, which is produced when these hypochlorite releasing tablets aredissolved. EP-A-0 164 472 therefore suggests that a hypochloritedeactivator should be added to the composition. For example, sodiumperborate monohydrate and sodium nitrite are used as deactivators, bothof which are capable of reacting with the hypochlorite. The deactivatoris released with a certain delay, so that the hypochlorite can at firstproduce its effect. As a solution for the delayed release of thedeactivator it is suggested that the tablet should consist of two areaswith different compositions and solution properties. The first area ofthe tablet contains the cleaning compound, while the second, the areathat dissolves more slowly, contains the deactivator. The pH-value ofthe cleaning solution of these tablets once again amounts to at least7.5 and preferably to between 8.5 and 11. A similar solution is alsodescribed by EP-A-0 360 299. The aforesaid tablets are difficult toproduce and therefore costly.

With a view to improving the cleaning effect, EP-A-0 451 105 suggeststhe use of a cleaning tablet consisting of two parts with differentcompositions in which the tablet parts or areas are not arranged oneabove the other, but next to each other. This has the advantage that thetablet, quite independently of its position, will always dissolve at thesame speed. In case a pH-change is desired during the dissolution,EP-A-0 451 105 suggests that an acid compound should be mixed into onepart of the tablet and a basic (neutralizing) compound into the otherpart of the tablet. The acid component can initially assure a pH-valueof the cleaning solution of less than 2.5. However, due to complete andretarded dissolution of the basic compound, the pH-value will then beraised to at least 5.5 or more, i.e. in the extreme case the total ofthe acid components contained in the tablet are only slightly in excessas compared with the basic components, in the normal case however theyare substantially greater, as is the case of the known cleaning tablets.The principal components of the tablet of EP-A-0 451105 can be acid andbasic compounds, oxidizing agents, bleaching means, chelate formers,surface-active substances, lubricants and additives. Among others,hypochlorite-forming substances or substance combinations that releaseor form hypochlorite when in contact with water are suggested asbleaching materials. Among others, a mixture of sodium chloride andsodium persulphate is named as an example of such a materialcombination. Nevertheless, it is not a declared aim of EP-A-0 451 105 togenerate chlorine in situ from sodium chloride and sodium persulphate.Furthermore, it is known that an alkaline environment should beavailable for the formation of hypochlorite. Nor does EP-A-0 451 104make any specific statements about the specific effectiveness of thecompositions suggested by way of example.

According to EP-A-0 451 105, a multi-part tablet with areas of differentcompositions may contain a multitude of different substances, but onlyone concrete embodiment is reproduced in the description. Thiscomposition example does not contain any saline chlorine or brominecompounds with a strong oxidizing agent and an acid or acid excess withthe simultaneous presence of basic substances.

It is known from WO 97/19708 the compounds releasing chlorine have abactericidal effect. Such compounds have for a long time been used, forexample, for cleaning and disinfecting dishes and crockery for children.WO 97/19708 suggests an improved composition that produces a goodcleaning and disinfection effect. The composition contains an anionicdetergent, a phosphate builder, borax, an alkali metal chloride orsulphate, as well as a compound releasing chlorine. According to WO97/19708, the addition of an alkali metal chloride contributes toincreasing the long-term stability of the chlorine releasing compound.The composition of WO 97 /19708 proved to be effective for killing cholibacteria and staphylococci.

It is known that the fungus candida albicans can cause painful areas onthe palate and in the area of the throat. Hitherto, however mouthhygiene has paid little attention to this aspect. Investigations havealso shown that that a number of other illness-causing micro-organismscan at times occur on removable dentures. For example, gram-negativebacteria that can lead to endotoxic sepsis and systemic illness havebeen found.

Although the known, self-dissolving cleaning tablets obtainable incommerce are claimed to have a disinfecting cleaning effect, theirfungicidal effect leaves much to be desired, especially in the case ofcandida. Tests have shown that traditional tablets are not capable ofeffectively reducing candida. Furthermore, it is not known that retro orherpes viruses are rendered harmless by known cleaning tablets.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to suggest a means forcleaning and disinfecting artificial dentures, toothbrushes and objectsand body parts affected by micro-organisms like candida or retro orherpes viruses. A further object of the invention is to make available ameans that can be handled in a simple manner, can readily be used whentravelling and occupies little space. Yet another object is to makeavailable a means with which bacteria like streptococci and pseudomonas,fungi like candida albicans, as well as viruses, especially herpesviruses, can be effectively rendered harmless. It is another object tosuggest a pharmaceutically effective composition for rendering candidaharmless, especially the fungus candida albicans.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Object of the present invention is the novel use of a compositioncontaining

-   -   at least one organic or inorganic compound that releases        chlorine or bromine or a substance combination that generates        chlorine or bromine when in aqueous solution, as well as    -   possibly a surface-active substance (tenside) or substance        mixture, aromatic substances, adjuvants and binding agents,        for the disinfection of such dental objects as toothbrushes,        dentures or razor sets and the like contaminated with retro or        herpes viruses and/or candida or of body parts affected by retro        or herpes viruses and/or candida. To the surprise of the        inventor, chlorine and bromine are capable of rendering harmless        even retro or herpes viruses and/or candida. This result is        surprising inasmuch as known compositions available in the form        of self-dissolving cleaning tablets are not capable of killing        candida.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment variant, thesubstance combination comprises saline chlorine or bromine compound andat least one suitable oxidizing agent for the in situ production ofchlorine and/or bromine during the dissolution of the composition in anaqueous solution. The substance combination is particularly effective,because chlorine or bromine are formed in situ.

Advantageously, the composition will contain an acid. To the surprise ofthe inventor, it has been found that in an acid environment, i.e. at apH-value less than 7.0 the effectiveness of the composition becomesclearly better.

Advantageously, the acid will be contained in the composition in such aquantity that the composition, when completely dissolved in a certainquantity of aqueous solution, will have a pH-value less than 6,preferably less than 5.5 and even more preferably less than 5.0. Such acomposition has the advantage that even staphylococci, streptococci andpseudomonas will be rendered harmless in a very brief time. To thesurprise of the inventor, it has been found that in an acid environmenta clearly better fungicidal effect can be obtained—both as regards theeffectiveness range and as regards the effectiveness—than at a pH-valuegreater than 7, as is the case with conventional compositions that havebeen known for a long time. At a pH-value of less than 5.5, inparticular, it is possible to kill the fungus candida albicanspractically completely within the space of a few minutes. Thecomposition may be made available as a solid mixture or as an aqueouscomposition.

In the initial compound the chlorine or bromine atom may be available inthe form of an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt or in some othercompound that will release chlorine and/or bromine ions in aqueoussolution or linked with an organic rest. Chemical compounds that canrelease chlorine as, for example, chloramin B(N-chlorbenzenesulphonamido-sodium), chloraminT(p-toluenesulphonchloramin-sodium) dichloramin T(p-toluenesulphondichloramid), halazon (p-dichlorsulphamyl benzoicacid), dichlorcyanic acid, trichlorcyanic acid, TCM (trichlormelamin),1,3-dichlor-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, dichlorglycoluril, succinchlorimid orchloroazodin (N,N′-dichlorodiazodicarbonamidin). These compounds can beused either by themselves or in any desired mixture. The previouslymentioned compounds can develop an antiviral and fungicidal effect in anacid environment.

Advantageously, the substance combination generating the chlorine or thebromine will be a chlorine or a bromine compound in the form of analkali, alkaline earth or other metallic salt and a suitable oxidizingagent. In combination with at least one suitable oxidizing agent,chlorine (Cl2) or dichloroxide (Cl2O—) and bromine and/or bromine oxide,respectively, can be formed by reaction with the chlorine (Cl—) orbromine ions present in the solution. Different compositions andsubstance combinations known to the person skilled in the art can beused for the in situ chlorine and/or bromine production. The advantageof such a composition is that the chlorine or the bromine is releasedrelatively quickly and therefor produces a quick effect. If the desiredreaction is to be obtained, it is self-evident that at least in thepreferred pH-range of less than 6, respectively less than 5.5, theoxidation potential of the oxidizing agent in solution should be higherthan the oxidation potential of Cl1-/Cl0 and/or Br1/Br0.

Advantageously, the composition will contain further fungicidalcompounds, such as, for example, potassium monosupersulphate, potassiumcarboate, sodium peroxycarbonate, sodium benzoate, subtilisin, potassiumbenzoate, chlorhexidine, a combination of chlorhexidine and thymol,cetylpyridine chloride, such halogen releasing compounds as PVP-iodineand cyanuric chloride and/or such compounds releasing formaldehyde asparaformaldehyde and/or methylol compounds, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composition is a mixture ofsolids. With a view to improving the dissolution and the uniformity ofthe solution, the composition will advantageously contain effervescingsalts, i.e. means for accelerating the dissolution, which in English arealso often known as “effervescents”. The means for accelerating thedissolution are, for example, a compound containing a carbonate (CO32-)or bicarbonate (HCO₃₋), say sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, andan acid. For example, carbon acids, especially bicarbonic acids, can beused as acids, or also every other acid known to the person skilled inthe art that is preferably physiologically safe. Use is preferably madeof acids that will readily decompose in nature.

Although basically different oxidation agents can be used, thecomposition will advantageously contain a hydrogenperoxosulphatecompound or a persulphate compound or hydrogen peroxide as oxidationagent. An advantageous composition that can be produced at a favourablecost contains potassiumhydrogenmonopersulphate (KHSO₅) , cooking salt(NaCl) and an acid, preferably in the form of a mono, di- or tricarbonacid as oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid or citric acid.Preferably, the quantity of acid contained in the composition is suchthat, following the dissolution of the composition in the aqueousenvironment a pH-value of less than 5.5, preferably less than 5 will beobtained. Citric acid is physiological perfectly safe, is quicklydecomposed in nature and is therefore preferably used in thecomposition.

A particularly good disinfection and cleaning effect is obtained whenthe composition also contains at least one suitable tenside. Care musthowever be taken to assure that the utilized tenside is compatible withthe disinfection means. Fundamentally it is possible to use differenttensides known to the person skilled in the art. But it is of importancethat the tensides are stable at a pH-value smaller than 8, preferablysmaller than 7. In this connection “stable” is to be understood in thesense that a maximum of 10% of the employed tenside will decompose insolution at room temperature within 30 minutes. In combination with thecomposition in accordance with the invention, it is preferred if theemployed tenside is not precipitated or decomposed at a pH of 6 to 4,preferably a pH smaller than 5.5. Preferably, fatty alcohol polyglycolethers, alkyl benzenesulphonates and alkyl sulphonates. Anionictensides, preferably of the group of alkyl ether sulphates, such asfatty alcohol ether sulphate alkali salts, for examplesodium-n-alkyl-C₁₂₋₁₄-diglycol ether sulphate, fatty acid amido propylBetain and/or sodium lauryl sulphosuccinate orsodium-n-alkyl-C₁₂₋₁₄-diglycol ether sulphate have proved to beparticularly successful. Also suitable are, for example Na-laurylsulphate, Na-lauryl sulpho acetate and trisodium phosphate. Preferably,tensides (powders) available as solids at room temperature are used inthe composition.

The composition is advantageously made available in the form of tabletsor granulates. Tablets and granulates can be readily portioned and takenon voyages. The composition can be dosed in such a manner that aneffective fungicidal solution is brought into being upon the dissolutionof the tablet or a package of granulate in a glass of water.Advantageously, the composition will contain a binder and, optionally,aromatic and colouring substances and adjuvants such as materials fordehardening the water, fillers and the like. For example, modified maizestarch, microcrystalline cellulose, sorbito, hydrated soyatriglycerides, polyethylene glycol such as PEG 180, PEG 150, PEG 75,polyvinyl pyrolidone or a copolymer of polyvinyl pyrolidone vinylacetate or such sugar derivatives as lactose or combinations of theaforementioned compounds may be used as binders. The share by weight ofthe binder amounts advantageously to a maximum of about 30% and liespreferably between 5 and 25%.

Advantageously, the share by weight of the components that acceleratethe dissolution will lie in the range between 15 and 40%, preferable 15and 30%, of the total weight of the tablet. Advantageously, the employedquantity of the tenside (percent by weight) will exceed the employedquantity of the bactericide (percent by weight).

The composition in accordance with the invention is used fordisinfecting dental objects, especially toothbrushes and dentures,razors and the like, as also objects for body care such as foot and handbaths. It is particularly important that candida, especially, candidaalbicans, which is often the cause of infections of the mouth cavity,can be killed. Candida is often found also on dentures and occasionallyon toothbrushes, so that fighting against them is of special importancefor human hygiene. Of particular importance is also pharmaceutical useof the composition, for example, for the production of a means fortreating parts of the body affected by candida.

Object of the invention is also the use of the composition for theproduction of a means for the disinfection of surfaces contaminated bycandida, retro and herpes viruses, especially the mucous membranes ofthe mouth cavity. The composition has proved effective in fightingherpes viruses, especially human herpes virus 1 (HHV-1; herpes simplexvirus), family Herpesviridae, subfamily alphaherpesviridae, Human herpesvirus 5(HHV-5) Human cytomegalovirus strain Toledo, familyHerpesviridae, subfamily betaherpesvirinae, but also retro viruses suchas those of the family Retroviridae (Spumavirus genus).

But the composition is particularly suitable also for fighting parts ofthe body or objects contaminated with staphylococci, especiallystaphylococci aureaus, streptococcus pyogenes, streptococcus mutans,escherida coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, simian foamy virus (SFV-bab)strain OCOM1-26.

Another object of the invention is the use of the composition for theproduction of a means for the local treatment of painful parts andinfections of the palate and the pharynx area caused by candida,especially candida albicans.

Yet another object is the use of the composition for the production of apreparation for the local treatment of parts of the body or objectaffected by retro or herpes viruses.

A further object is the use of the composition for the production of apreparation for the local treatment of fungus affection on the human oranimal body, especially foot and nail fungi.

EXAMPLE

An example of a composition contains the following components: inpercent by Substance weight (%) Potassium hydrogen 5 monopersuiphateNa-lauryl sulphate 15 Sodium bicarbonate 20 Citric acid 30 Binder 20Sodium chloride 10

The effect of compositions in accordance with the invention was testedby means of the following mixture: Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 Pseudomonas aeruginosa Candida albicansEscherichia coli ATCC 25922 RT Initial concentration: 10⁵-10⁶ CFU/ml

The micro-organisms named above were established in each case on twotoothbrushes, which were then dipped into a test solution. The testsolution was produced by dissolving half a tablet in 100 ml of water ata temperature of 21° C. An entire tablet weighed 2.5 g, and half atablet therefore 1.25 g. It was found that the bacteria/fungus mixturewas already killed after 5 minutes. The final concentration of the microorganisms amounted in each case to less than 10¹.

In another series of tests several small pieces of a denture (methylmethacrylate) were placed in a nutrient solution that had beeninoculated with test micro-organisms. The nutrient solution had aninitial concentration of about 10⁶ micro-organisms per millilitre.Subsequently the nutrient solution was shaken for a total period ofabout 12 hours at a heightened temperature and also ventilated.Following the first 6 hours, the solution was decanted and freshnutrient solution was added. The liquid was then poured away and thedenture pieces dried in Petri dishes.

The denture pieces were then divided into two groups, where the firstgroup was placed for 5 minutes into sterile water, and the second groupinto a composition in accordance with the invention. The effectivenesswas then tested by determining the number of micro-organisms on thedenture surface.

A high fungicidal effect was noted especially with the followingmicro-organisms:

Candida, especially candida albicans, herpes viruses, staphylococci,especially staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacteria such aspseudomonas aeruginosa, herpes viruses, especially human herpes virus1(HHV-1; herpes simplex virus), family herpesviridae, subfamilyalphaherpesviridae, human herpes virus 5(HHV-5) human cytomegalovirusstrain Toledo, family herpesviridae, subfamily betaherpesvirinae, simianfoamy virus (SFV-bab), such retro viruses as family retroviridae(spumavirus genus).

For disinfection purposes, a denture affected by micro-organisms issubjected for a certain period of time, typically five minutes, to theaction of a substance mixture that releases chlorine or chlorine oxideand/or bromine or bromine oxide. To this end an effervescent cleaningtablet is placed together with the denture that is to be disinfectedinto an empty glass, which is then filled with water. The aqueoussolution is mixed while the tablet dissolves. At the same time chlorineand bromine, respectively, are released or formed in situ. Due to theagitation, chlorine and bromine, respectively, arrive at all parts, sothat a good disinfecting effect is obtained.

The invention concerns the use of a composition containing

-   -   at least one organic or inorganic compound or substance        combination that releases chlorine or bromine in aqueous        solution, as well as    -   whenever appropriate, a surface-active substance (tenside) or        substance mixture, flavouring agents, adjuvants and binders for        the disinfection of dental objects such as toothbrushes,        dentures or razors and the like contaminated by retro or herpes        viruses, pseudomonas aeruginosa and/or candida or parts of the        body that have been attacked by retro or herpes viruses,        pseudomonas aeruginosa and/or candida.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. Use of composition containing at least one salinechloride compound in the form of a salt of an alkali or an alkalineearth metal and at least one suitable oxidation means for the in situproduction of chlorine during the dissolution of the composition in anaqueous solution, where the oxidation potential of the oxidation meansin an aqueous solution is higher than the oxidation potential of Cl¹/C1°at least in the claimed range, an acid in such quantity that thecomposition dissolved in a certain quantity of an aqueous solution willproduce a pH-valve of less than 6, preferably less than 5.5 and evenmore preferably less than 5, as well as whenever appropriate, asurface-active substance (tenside) or substance mixture, aromaticsubstance adjuvants and binders, for the disinfection of dental objectssuch as toothbrushes, dentures and the like contaminated by candida orparts of the body that have been attacked by candida.
 19. Use inaccordance with claim 18, characterized in that the composition isavailable in the form of a mixture of solids, especially a granulate ora tablet.
 20. Use in accordance with claim 18, characterized in that thecomposition contains means for accelerating the dissolution(effervescent salts—effervescents), for example a compound containing acarbonate or bicarbonate such as, for example sodium carbonate or sodiumbicarbonate, and at least a stoichiometric quantity of acid for theproduction of a pH-value of less than 7 is contained in the composition.21. Use in accordance with claim 18, characterized in that a hydrogenperoxosulphate compound is contained as oxidation means.
 22. Use inaccordance with claim 18, characterized in that the composition containsat least potassium hydrogen peroxosulphate as oxidizing agent, a salinechlorine compound, e.g. cooking salt (NaCl) as chloride compound and acarbon acid, preferably a mono-, di- or tricarbon acid, such as tartaricor citric acid, for the production of an acid pH-Value in the dissolvedcomposition.
 23. Use in accordance with claim 18, characterized in thatthe composition contains a binder and, optionally, aromatic andcolouring substances and adjuvants such as substances for softening thewater, fillers and the like, and is available in tablets or granulateform.
 24. Use in accordance with claim 18, characterized in that thecomposition contains at least one tensed (surface-active substance orsubstance mixture).
 25. Use in accordance with claim 18, characterizedin that the composition is available in the form of a self-dissolvingcleaning tablet.
 26. Use in accordance with claim 25, characterized inthat the composition or cleaning tablet has a homogeneous composition.27. Use in accordance with claim 25, characterized in that thecomposition or the cleaning tablet is dissolved in an aqueous solution,preferable in water, in the presence of the object or body part that isto be disinfected.
 28. Use in accordance with claim 18, characterized inthat the binder is a copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide,polyvinyl pyrolidon or a copolymer of polyvinyl pyrolidon and vinylacetate.
 29. Use of a composition containing at least one salinechloride compound in the form of salt of an alkaline or alkali earthmetal and at least one suitable oxidizing agent for the in situproduction of chlorine during the dissolution of the composition in anaqueous solution, where the oxidation potential of the oxidizing agentin aqueous solution is greater than the oxidizing potential of C1¹⁻/C1⁰at least within the claimed pH-range, an acid in such quantity that thecomposition dissolved. in a certain quantity of an aqueous solutionproduces a pH-value of less than 6, preferably less than 5.5 and evenmore preferably less than 5.0, as well as whenever appropriate, asurface-active substance (tenside) or substance mixture, aromaticsubstances, adjuvants and binders, for the production of apharmaceutically effective means for treating body parts contaminated oraffected by candida albicans.